JM was the center of his earth, which was spinning around him from relative to relative in Efpalion, Potidania, and Patras. No one was more sought after than the smiling JM, being always picked up and kissed and fed with the best there was. Once in a while, his sister would butt in, but her whining [Grinia] made JM more attractive and his good nature would win everybody over. In his later years he would reminisce in the early mornings when it was time to go from Efpalion to Potidania to visit his cousins, Eleni, Calliopi & Diamando Papaioannou.

My Grandfather’s house in Potidania

Half asleep he would be dressed and put on a mule for the hour long ride to Potidania which he “knew” was on the other side of the sun. The morning dew would give him the chills, but the awesomeness of the mountains with its pine, sycamore & platanos trees, would let the sunshine shower him at intervals and warm his little body. The unending voyage was the price paid to see his cousins and his yiayia Eleni.

Eleni, Diamando, and Calliopi

It was the time JM could taste the figs and chestnuts, walnuts and grapes from the huge fruit trees in Potidania aka Paleoxari, and JM was impressed by the large farm on the side of the mountain that supported such a variety of trees. It bordered a creek where JM was amazed at the speed of the little fish, avoiding him so he could not catch them. Nearby were about a dozen huge chestnuts and walnuts trees. JM would throw a rock to get the chestnuts and walnuts off the tree, and then remove the outer soft shell and crack the inner one to get to the edible walnut. What a treat, and what a mess for his hands which would be black for a week.

Year of responsibilities:

As much as JM was free of guilt, he learned that he had to obey some family values and health practices such as taking a nap at midmorning, JM was the youngest of the group but he adjusted without much ado.

JM’s Yiayia would throw a blanket on the floor where all the cousins took their noon naps. They had to be quiet even when the mosquitos were buzzing all over them. She had a nettle stick that we knew makes your skin itch and she used it as a threat which was very effective. She was one of the best Yiayias any one can hope for. She told family stories, always making sure that family was the binding force for survival and the best in JM’s world.

Year of Religious Awareness:

When Yiayia took a stroll in the village, which was half a mile long, to show off her grandchildren, she would be dressed in her Sunday best and whenever the priest would pass her by, she would tie a knot in her scarf. When asked why she would reply, I am tying the devil that resides in the priest. She would always take us in the Church and only once in a while she would stay. Stories were told that Yiayia would put money in the offering tray and get back change which was more than the original offering. It is story JM heard in later years. Yiayia never acknowledged or confirmed this story.

Years of Geography: Although his world was Efpalion and Potidania, JM discovered the existence of another world in Patras. JM would travel to Patras early in the morning by way of Monastiraki to take the Kaiki [small gas powered boat] to go to Patras. It was an exhilarating journey, the sea, the morning mist and the noise and smell of the gas engine is still in JM’s memories. Patras was the home of JM’s uncle Andreas and Costas but the favorite aunt Koula was there too.

Her presence was always felt, she was the youngest of the twelve Ioannis Papaioannou children. She was the one who always gave her love to all of the nieces and nephews at her own pleasure, while Costas and Andreas were the disciplinarians.

Hey, why did it take sooooo long for these stories to be told? They're great! The scents and sounds are great additions. The naps on your Yiayia's blanket arenow immortalized. Did her house have tall ceilings to cool it down? Thanks for these stories. Looking forward to more. I especially connect with your narrative when you use the first person. XOXOXOX